Fine arts students from Thames Valley University will be exhibiting their work in Reading town centre as part of Whitley Arts Festival next week.

The seven second-year students will display pieces they have been working on over the summer, a collection of experimental fine art using a wide range of mediums including cardboard and dead butterflies.

Held at Moondogs Art Stop Café from Monday until Saturday, October 31, the exhibition allows the Foundation degree students to showcase their work in a professional setting and gauge public opinion.

“We are asking the public to help us on our learning curve and give us feedback,” says student Charlotte Sutterby.

“Through this we can learn more about how people respond to art.”

The students say that they have been enjoying the challenge and some have even had interest from people wishing to buy their first year pieces.

“Fine art can’t be pinned down these days so we are encouraged to explore any way to express what we feel needs expressing,” she said.

“We are exploring a lot of different mediums and ways of presenting art.”

The festival offers the diverse group of budding artists the chance to gain experience putting on their own exhibitions and establish ideas about their work.

Tutor Linda Fraser says: “This project is an important way for these artists in training to learn [and] take risks whilst becoming more professional in their outlook.

“We are very excited to be given this opportunity.”

The Moondogs Art Stop Café in Oxford Road, West Reading, is open weekdays 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 6pm. For more information call (0118) 959 8417.

The exhibition is just one of a number of special events taking place across Reading for the Festival.

The Rising Sun Arts Centre will host an experimental film festival, The Retreat pub will take part in another exhibition, South Street arts centre welcomes music, dance and comedians and a number of other venues will welcome dance and drama workshops.

Click here to see your full guide to What's on at the festival this week.